The crowded Republican field will have to be whittled down in a primary May 6. Republican candidates include Dave Conklin, John Dismukes, Derrick Hickey, Chuck Kays, Charles Kuebler, Ricky Meeks, Frank Roberts, Hank Thomas, Campbell Dodd and Skip Watkins.

The new commission may also have to fill another seat after the election if either Democrat Jonathan Barfield or Republican Woody White winds up winning the 7th District seat in the US House of Representatives.

Hickey’s decision to run for county commission means an opening on the New Hanover County School Board, where his four-year term expires this fall.